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Two hurt following high-speed chase

WILLMAR — Willmar Police say two people were injured following a high-speed chase and vehicle crash early today in east Willmar.

Police were called at 1:47 a.m. to the Superamerica convenience store at the corner of First Street and Becker Avenue where an intoxicated driver had stopped at the pumps and entered the store.

The first responding police officer saw the vehicle leave the parking lot eastbound on Becker Avenue. The officer followed and noted that the vehicle was accelerating away above the speed limit. Squad lights and siren were activated and the driver accelerated even more, continuing eastbound in excess of 80 mph.

The officer was slowing to break off the pursuit when the fleeing driver crashed into a berm, fence and some golf carts at Valley Golf Course property at the end of Becker Avenue Southeast.

Both the driver, Jesus Gomez, 29, of New London, and passenger Scott Allen Minette, 42, of Sauk Centre, were injured but able to get out of the vehicle on their own. Both were transported by Willmar Ambulance to Rice Memorial Hospital. Police did not know if seat belts were used.

Following medical treatment, Gomez was arrested and brought to the Kandiyohi County Jail, pending charges of fleeing a peace officer, criminal vehicular operation, driving while under the influence, reckless driving, speeding and stop sign.

Police were assisted by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, Willmar Ambulance, Willmar Fire Department and Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad.